Others say...

"5 star ratings are false"
The 5 star ratings this device has received are either lies or given by people who never actually make popcorn. This item is faulty. If you use it to make popcorn it will fail.

The first time you use this poper you will notice there is no way to get the popcorn out without spilling, or burning. The lid flaps, which in other models open to allow the corn to be dispensed, are clipped shut in order to make up for the poorly designed latches.

The Lid does not securely latch to the pot. This small detail will cause your steaming hot pot of popcorn to broadcast itself all over your stove top, the hot burner, and you if you try using the handle to dispense the poped corn.

The plastic gears will work for a couple of months. Then the mixing shaft will begin spinning in the top bevel gear causing you to wonder why there is so much smoke.

Please do not give this product as a gift. Not even a gag gift - it's not funny.


"Movie Theater Popcorn in MY Kitchen!"
Whirley-Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper

I received my Whirley Popper last week, tried it out today, and I am VERY happy. The popcorn tastes just like it does at the movie theater or a carnival. The corn is light, fluffy, and crispy in contrast to the bagged microwave corn which is much less crunchy and stale-tasting, in my opinion.

It is very easy to use and I only had a couple of kernels that were un-popped. Be sure to follow the directions EXACTLY which includes seasoning the Whirley Popper prior to first use and using a MEDIUM flame, not high. Yes, the popper does feel rather light but then again, popcorn making does not require heavy-duty machinery. Do I get a little worried that the crank my break? At times yes, but as long as I'm careful it should be fine. Also Wabash Valley Farms has great customer service so I will not hesitate calling them with any problems.

As for the popcorn sent with the popper (which has no bearing on my rating) I thought it was pretty good, but a bit too salty for my family's taste. My advice is to use only half of the seasoning provided if you intend on using Wabash Valley Farm brand. I am sure any brand of fresh popcorn kernels will do so there is no need to experiment with any expensive fancy-shmancy brands - unless you'd like to .... again so long as the corn is fresh it should come out great. Moreover if the popper is going to be used at least once or twice a week, there really is no need to wash it because you remove the seasoning as well; just wipe it out with a wet cloth.

The booklet included with the popper comes with a few interesting recipes that I want to try out including the kettle corn.

UPDATE:

Well I've had my Whirley Pop for a few weeks now and have used it almost two dozen times and I love it. My popcorn nor the popper have gotten burnt. I just ordered one for my sister and this will also be one of my mother's Christmas gifts. Case (24) of 4 Ounce Great American Popcorn Portion Packs

"Better than the movies"
I bought one of these at a yard sale and fell in love with it. Every single kernal of corn pops and there is no burning. It takes only a few minutes and nothing pops out of the top. I bought my father in law one as he is a big popcorn eater as well. He loves it. We both use it 3-4 days a week. Yes, it is that great. Better than the movies and cheaper.

"WONDERFUL- my knew kitchen obsession"
The Whirlypop is excellent. It makes wonderful popcorn and it's FUN! I must say I've been obsessed with popcorn since I've gotten it. I agree with other reviews, however. It's necessary to read the directions to know the proper way to operate this unit to get the best results. Don't crank too hard on the crank! The version I got came with a great recipe booklet with some delicious popcorn ideas. Way better than microwave popcorn. Enjoy it...

"Almost Excellent"
I love this machine. It makes great popcorn (I use Redenbacher - and a few tablespoons of olive oil). The trick, I learned, was to stop turning the crank when it begins to get "stuck" and then remove from the heat when the popping slows down. Clean up is easy if you just wipe the pot and blades with a paper towel. If you haven't left it on heat too long there's nothing more to clean. After about a year one of the plastic gears broke. Since I had registered it, the company very graciously sent me a whole new lid assembly. I can't imagine how some people managed to melt the only plastic pieces (two gears of the crank assembly) unless they way overheated the pan.
I recommend this highly!